Art and Communion Workshop

I finally had a bit of time to finish the sample for The Gilded Nest workshop that will be here in the blink of an eye.  She's quite fancy like those Gilded Life ladies in Texas.

 To find out more about the fantastic weekend that Shea and Debbie have lined up....visit their blog. 

Texas Y'all !!

I am so very excited to announce that I will be traveling to Texas at the end of July.  Come join myself, Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray on a magical weekend of shopping, creating art, making new friends and seeing old ones.  Shea and Debbie have planned the most wonderful weekend for us to enjoy.

Please pop over to their blog to see what these talented ladies have coming.  I hear that there are only 5 spots remaining so don't wait!

Please check back as we will be posting photos of Shea's gorgeous bracelet that we will be creating along with a little something from me.

Just playin....

I got a new computer. 

I didn't want a new computer. 

I thought my old computer was just fiiiiine.  

But then it started doing stuff.  Bad stuff.  The husband would just look....tsk tsk tsk....and shake his head.  But no....it was "ok" I told him....my computer was just having a bad day.  But then it happened.  The obvious, the inevitable, all the signs were there.  

I needed a new computer.  

 

I am not a techno gadget girl.  I could use the same phone for years, the same computer for forever and if it weren't for the husband I would probably still be listening to cassette and eight track tapes.  I will say however....I couldn't live without my GPS.  But back to the computer.  I decided if I had to get a new one I was going for a MAC.  Hmmmm....so far it's like it/love it/hate it.  You know how that is.  I have had fun putting names on faces in Iphoto....I think that is so super cool.  And I finally took the plunge and signed up for Skype.   It's just like hanging out with your girlfriend except you are in two different places.  Chatty ~ chatty ~ chatty ~ giggle ~ giggle.  I haven't installed photo shop yet so I still can't figure out how to re-size a snap in Iphoto and just trying to find the darn pics to upload here....Aye Yie Yie....that was 3 days work!!  But I'm getting there...

I've got some fun news to announce....soon. But I've got some work to get done first. Back to it.

Happy Thursday!

You make me smile...

Myself, Grammy and Jessica (Marie was taking the photo)

These wild and crazy gals came for a visit at Gilding.  I fell in love with them instantly.  They were full of energy, super funny and I wanted to hang with them.  Unfortunately...the timing didn't allow it to happen.

NEXT TIME GIRLS!!

Thanks for visiting and bringing your energy and laughter!!

Upcoming Web Sale

Sunday, May 2 

5 PM pst

Hope to see you there!

A big thank you....

Just a note of appreciation to all those who came out to see us for the trunk show and to get your magazines signed last weekend.  Iva and I were overwhelmed by your sweet comments and wonderful enthusiasm about our work.  I loved hearing your stories about your own doll making experiences and how it brings you such happiness.  I especially loved the mother/daughters that came to visit....you know who you are...and if you could email me a copy of that picture I would love it!

Saturday evening after the trunk show we were treated to a gourmet feast at Nancy's warm and charming home.  Her husband...a real gem (and they are the cutest couple)...cooked for us and WOW!!  can he cook!  I'm still dreaming of his creamy polenta and his cheesecake with biscotti crust and sweet basil sauce.  YUM!  Thanks Nancy...it is an evening I won't forget...just magical.

 Nancy, Iva, Dede and Linda Lou!

A big thank you to Nancy and Dede, for all their hard work and long hours to make last weekend so wonderful.  Love you guys...

Bluebird Making

Last Saturday a lovely group of women met me at Gilding the Lily to learn how to make a sweet...not so little... bluebird.

They arrived...at the very early hour of 9:30.  They had smiling faces and an eagerness to play and learn.  We started the day by creating clay sculptures...went on to paint...and then got right to the sewing.

These gals didn't mess around.  They brought loads of wonderful fabrics, vintage trims and fantastic imaginations.

I didn't provide any patterns.  We laid out different combinations of fabrics and trims until they got the look they wanted.  Then they would stitch away.

There were all levels of sewing skills....from somewhat of beginners to quite advanced (much more talented with the machine than I) and they all turned out beautiful little birds.

 Kim's bird in the making

 Kim's bird all dressed to the 9's!

Cheryl's bird in progress...

Cheryl's finished piece...Stella is her name!

Valerie....working on her top hat.

This little tweet tweet...I have to say....her momma had me a bit concerned when she started to paint.  She was much darker than I would have thought would be nice.  But  Momma Terrie, knew EXACTLY what she was doing.  She pulled out some gorgeously rich Moda fabrics that we all oohed and aah ed over.  Smashing!!  Her coloring was perfection for those fabrics.

Grandma Nancy....I want her to be MY Grandma.  So special and sweet.  She decided to make a chick and she had some lovely fabrics to help make that happen...

And brave Ada....she brought this fantastic fabric covered in pearls.  Have you ever sewn with fabric covered in pearls?  Let me tell you....it ain't easy!!!  She stuck with it and ended up with quite the "uptown" bluebird.

I missed snapping the pictures of the three little birds of quiet Cynthia, funny Dede and studious Sylvia.

All in all....a gorgeous Spring day with 10 gorgeously talented women.  What could be better?